Violent Gen Z protests in Nepal over alleged corruption and a social media ban have stranded hundreds of Indian tourists as Kathmandu Airport remains closed.
What began as a peaceful movement quickly escalated into clashes with security forces, leaving 24 people dead.
Protesters attacked several top politicians and set fire to the homes of some leaders.
The airport shutdown and demonstrations blocking major highways have left vacationers stranded, many unaware of the escalating unrest when they arrived in Nepal.
Among those affected is a group of friends from Navi Mumbai, who had planned a visit to the Pashupatinath Temple.
One member of the group told IANS, “We were travelling in Nepal with friends, but a curfew began after we arrived. The situation is very problematic now. The sooner we find a way to leave safely, the better it will be for us.”
Another tourist said they have remained confined to their hotel for the past two days.
“We arrived in Kathmandu on September 8; however, the next day, the protests started. Now, we are not able to go back to our country because the airports are closed. We contacted the Indian Embassy for guidance on leaving. They advised us to stay in our hotel till they make arrangements. The situation here is very tense, and we feel extremely scared,” he asserted.
A third tourist from the group recounted, “I came with my friends to offer prayers at the Pashupatinath Temple. However, the violence started soon after we arrived here. We are scared. Our families, back home, are also scared. We have contacted the Embassy, and they advised us to stay safe in our hotel for the time being.”
The Indian Embassy is arranging the safe return of stranded tourists and has asked them to stay in their hotels in the meantime.
The unrest has also affected foreign tourists.
“The situation is very bad. Yesterday, I saw a lot of smoke from hotels. They were burning, and people were dying here, innocent people. It’s very sad. I hope that everything will return to normal soon,” a German national stranded in Kathmandu told IANS.
Another German visitor, part of a group of 14, expressed hope for a prompt departure.
“We are a group of 14 people and came here on Monday. The situation is unfortunate. We are safe, but we hope that we can go back tomorrow,” he said.
With violence continuing across Nepal, tourists remain in uncertainty, awaiting a safe passage out of the country.
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